All three of the Japanese cars – the Acura, the Subaru, and the Scion – are completely new models for 2013 and earned the top rating of “Good” in the IIHS’ overlap frontal, side crash and roof strength tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has yet to test any of the cars.

The IIHS was very pleased with the performance of the 2013 Ford Escape – the previous models had not scored well, as the Escape Hybrid rated “Poor” and non-hybrid model attained only a “Marginal” rating. The 2013 model received “Good” ratings in all three of the IIHS tests, earning it a spot on the Top Safety Picks list. That said, NHTSA only gave the 2013 Escape four stars overall, as it earned four stars in both frontal and rollover crash testing and five stars in the side-impact crash test.

All four cars named as Top Safety Picks come standard with ABS, stability control, tire pressure monitoring systems, and six airbags. Blind spot assist, parking sensors, and a backup camera are all optional on the Escape; a multi-view rear camera is optional on the ILX.

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